According to DigiTimes, sources from the upstream supply chain claim that Apple is considering to release a more affordable 9.7-inch iPad in 2018. It is likely to be priced around US$259 (~S$349) to attract more price-conscious customers.

The sources added that the new 9.7-inch iPad could arrive in the second quarter of 2018 and might help Apple expand into the industrial and service sectors. The new iPad model is said to be manufactured by Compal Electronics.